Football

Durand Cup Semifinal: Kolkata Police Bans Tifo, Drums, and Inflammable MaterialsAmidst heightened security concerns following the RG Kar Medical College protests, the Kolkata Police has issued a notice prohibiting spectators from bringing tifo, drums, smoke candles, or other inflammable materials into the stadium for the Durand Cup semifinal between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC on Tuesday.The notice, signed by the joint commissioner of police, Bidhannagar, states that these restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety and security of the event. The authorities have requested both teams and their fans to cooperate with the security agencies and adhere to the guidelines.The decision to ban these items comes after the city police and tournament organizers canceled the derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal due to security concerns. In a show of solidarity, supporters of both teams gathered near the Salt Lake Stadium to protest the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College.As the Durand Cup enters its final stages, Bengaluru FC faces a formidable challenge against defending champions Mohun Bagan. The Kolkata giants have scored 10 goals and conceded only three, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, will be looking to upset the odds and secure a place in the final. The Blues have been in impressive form this season, winning the Indian Super League and reaching the AFC Cup semifinals.The semifinal clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two of India's top football clubs. However, the absence of tifo, drums, and other fan paraphernalia may dampen the atmosphere at the stadium. The Kolkata Police's decision is aimed at prioritizing safety and preventing any potential security breaches.

The highly anticipated Kolkata Derby, a clash between city giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Emami East Bengal FC, has been canceled due to ongoing protests over the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar hospital in Kolkata. The decision to abandon the concluding Durand Cup Group A match was made a day before the scheduled date as the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, responsible for managing security at the Salt Lake Stadium, failed to commit adequate forces.The organizers, the Indian Army and the Government of West Bengal, cited the "prevailing situation" as the reason for the cancellation. The city and its adjoining districts have been witnessing widespread protests, diverting police personnel away from the match. Additionally, there were concerns about the possibility of protests and demonstrations spilling over into the stadium, creating a major disturbance.While no specific reason was given in the official statement, sources within the organizing committee indicated that the police commissionerate could not provide the necessary security to manage a 'derby' match, which typically attracts over 60,000 spectators.The organizers have tentatively informed the teams that they will be awarded a point each. With both teams tied on six points from two wins each, the additional point will not alter their current positions. Mohun Bagan SG will take the top spot due to a better goal difference and advance to the quarterfinals, while East Bengal is also likely to qualify as one of the two second-placed teams.The cancellation of the Kolkata Derby has disappointed fans and cast a shadow over the Durand Cup. The match is considered one of the most prestigious rivalries in Indian football, and its absence will be a significant loss for the tournament.

French Police on High Alert for Israel-Mali Football Match Amid Protest ConcernsAround 1,000 French police officers will be deployed on Wednesday to safeguard the Israel-Mali football match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, as security forces anticipate potential protests. The match has been designated as high risk due to the presence of the Israeli team and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized the heightened security measures, stating that the match will have "an anti-terror perimeter" and that police will be present to "ensure that we are there for the sport." Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to attend the game.All Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympics will receive round-the-clock personal security from elite French police, both within the Olympic village and during their movements outside the compound. Security forces are anticipating "actions and disturbances around the stadium," including potential insults, whistling, and flag displays during the national anthems.Europalestine, a French activist group, has announced plans for a peaceful demonstration inside the stadium to protest the "genocide" in Gaza. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer expressed concern over the threat and emphasized the importance of protecting Israeli athletes in collaboration with French authorities.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and French President Emmanuel Macron have rejected a Palestinian demand to ban Israel from the Paris Games due to the war in Gaza. The Palestine Olympic Committee had requested the ban, citing the bombings of the Gaza Strip as a violation of the Olympic truce.The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that over 39,000 people have been killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.